Reflection Upon Climate Change within Indigenous Communities in Asian Countries

Hao Xu and Christopher Villacorta

Within the curriculum of this class, we have been presented and granted many opportunities to learn about indigenous people, their artworks from various mediums, and how each artist is able to convey their own personal response to the overbearing problems of climate change that usually plague lower income, original peoples first. However, with this collaboration, our goal is to shed light on indigenous communities that have not yet been looked over in class in order to further deepen the sentiment that climate change and capitalism has had a long-lasting effect on these communities who rely heavily on the land.

In this project specifically, we focus on China and the Philippines, which both countries harbor indigenous peoples that come from very rich and beautiful backgrounds. Along with this, an important notion to keep in mind is how both countries fall on separate ends of the spectrum, regarding how the Philippines is still considered a third world country while China has a much more stable economy and has many other improvements compared to the Philippines.

Starting with the Chinese art about the ocean, while reading the chapter "Marine Permutations" in Fowkes' "Art and Climate Change” (Fowkes, 2022),I found great inspiration. Given China's large population (though it may not be the sole reason), environmental pollution is a severe issue. In the book, I came across "Sun & Sea (Marina) (2019)" and "Submersion (2019)." These two pieces provided me with inspiration for my topic, although I do not intend to delve deeply into these artworks. To briefly introduce, "Sun & Sea (Marina)" was created by a group of artists. It explores climate change and environmental issues in a unique way by incorporating these themes into the singing and beach scenes of vacationers. The lyrics raise issues like consumerism, resource depletion, beach and ocean pollution, reflecting real-world climate change and environmental problems. The work achieves a satirical and cautionary effect by contrasting the beautiful vacation scenes with the societal and environmental issues mentioned in the songs. The beach is beautiful, but when I saw this image from the book, it suddenly reminded me of a bay I visited in Hebei, China. It's a well-known tourist attraction, but when I visited, the beach was covered in various types of litter, such as cans. This forced me to wear shoes on the beach to avoid stepping on something sharp. "Submersion" is an audio work created by Anja Kanngieser, and it also discusses some issues related to the ocean. This work explores the impact of rising sea levels on the ocean. It discusses how human, particularly white, actions have led to the rise of the sea level, causing erosion and rendering many coastal homes and villages uninhabitable. What’s more, while I was reading in the art library, I also found an interesting book called Oceans (Pandora and Sarah, 2023). It talks about the very same issues as what I mentioned above. There is one artist introduced in this book called Ann Elias. Her work Coral Empire (Ann, 2019) impressed me. This is a book that explores the cultural and environmental significance of coral reefs. The book delves into the history, science, and art aspects of coral reefs and how they have been represented and understood over time. It discusses how coral reefs have been both a source of fascination and exploitation, as well as the environmental challenges they face due to climate change and human activities, such as ocean acidification, coral bleaching, and rising sea levels. Those artworks reminded me of an artwork by a Chinese artist, Wan Yunfeng. He is a renowned Chinese sculptor and artist known for his works related to environmental issues. His "Protecting the Ocean Series 1 - Struggle (2021)" emphasizes the fragility of the marine ecosystem and the impact of human activities on the marine environment. One of the works in this series, "Struggle,” portrays a living organism within an ecosystem (such as marine animals) struggling for survival under the pressures of environmental changes and pollution. These sculptures may incorporate recycled materials from the ocean, symbolically highlighting the importance of recycling and protecting marine resources. This creative approach conveys the artist's concerns about climate change and marine environmental issues while calling on people to take action to safeguard the oceans. These sculptures typically use vivid imagery and creative techniques to raise awareness about environmental issues and encourage individuals to adopt sustainable measures to protect our planet. Some of these works involve binding trash to human figures. This vivid art immediately brings to mind the suffering of animals heavily affected by marine debris. In their world, they, like these individuals entangled in garbage, endure immense suffering. This form of art strongly awakens my awareness of the need to protect the marine ecosystem. Another art about marine life is Zhang Chuanbin's work "Azure Seas Stretching Far and Wide"(Zhang Chuanbin, 2023). It reflects his profound love for the ocean through the magnificent depiction of the sea in the artwork, calling for awareness and protection of the environment and ecology. He portrays the ocean so beautifully that not a single hint of impurity is allowed to exist on the canvas, illustrating his reverence for the beauty of the ocean. This expression also symbolizes a plea for the protection of our shared Earthly home. Through his in-depth portrayal of the ocean, I can see that the sea is a crucial component of the Earth's ecosystem, with far-reaching effects on climate and the environment. Climate change-induced issues such as rising sea levels and ocean acidification threaten the stability and diversity of marine ecosystems. Therefore, through the portrayal of the ocean's beauty, Zhang Chuanbin indirectly urges people to pay attention to the impact of climate change on the oceans, advocating for the importance of environmental protection and the maintenance of ecological balance. His artwork is not just an expression of art but also a concern for sustainable development and the health of the Earth's ecosystem. Rifkin emphasizes resilience in his book "The Age of Resilience", emphasizing a peaceful coexistence between people and the environment. Individuals should adopt methods to change their current actions and create a better home (Rifkin, 2022). When discussing artworks related to the ocean, I think of the Rio Doce and the piece about it: "River Runs Red". We should consciously protect the environment we inhabit, recognizing the interconnectedness of the environment and humanity. Ignoring the consequences for the environment only results in permanent damage. I recall a native resident in the book expressing the sorrow of losing their water source. Their children may never share the same understanding of the environment as we do (Isabelle Carbonell ,2021). Protecting the environment is not just for us but also for the sake of future generations!

Rugilė Barzdžiukaitė, Vaiva Grainytė, and Lina Lapelytė, Sun&Sea (Marina), 2019

Anja Kanngieser, Submersion, 2019

Wan Yunfeng, Protecting the Ocean Series 1 – Struggle 2021

Zhang Chuanbin, Azure Seas Stretching Far and Wide  2023

Beidaihe’s bad environment

Moving on to architecture's adaptation to environmental change, "Coping with Urban Climates: Comparative Perspectives on Architecture and Thermal Governance" (Roesler, 2022) discusses the significant influence of climate change on architectural styles and designs in Chongqing. Over time, there have been significant changes in architectural styles to provide more energy-efficient, comfortable, and sustainable living environments. Climate change has had a significant impact on the architectural style and design in the Chongqing region. Architects are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency and climate adaptability when designing new buildings to meet the needs of hot summers and cold winters without central heating. This includes the use of better insulation materials, double-glazed windows, ventilation systems, and heating equipment. Housing layouts are also influenced by climate change, with residents choosing different bedrooms according to the season to meet ventilation or heating requirements. Architects are designing multifunctional interior spaces to provide more flexible housing options to adapt to different seasonal needs. At the same time, improvements in building materials and insulation technologies help reduce energy waste, increase building energy efficiency, and reflect the active role of the construction industry in responding to the challenges of climate change. This not only enhances the sustainability and energy efficiency of buildings but also improves the quality of life for urban residents. It represents an important step by the construction industry in responding positively to climate change. Another article, "China's 'Green Battle' on Rooftops to Counter Climate Change" (Xinhua News Agency, 2023), highlights the rise of rooftop photovoltaic projects in China, injecting clean energy into urban and rural areas. For example, the rooftop photovoltaic project at the Suzhou Administrative Center significantly reduces carbon emissions, reflecting China's efforts towards carbon neutrality. The widespread adoption of rooftop photovoltaic systems from densely populated cities to vast rural areas has also stimulated socio-economic development, providing sustainable energy income for residents.

Chongqing Building

China's 'Green Battle' on Rooftops

For the native habitants of the Philippines, natural disasters such as floods, typhoons, and earthquakes are very familiar to the people of the land, for such disasters plague the island almost every couple of years. Even though the main focus is the island of the Philippines, many of these issues also occur outside of the island, such as in the communities of the residents near the Great Lakes in America and in the Gulf of Mexico, which all have their own shares of intense flooding and droughts that arise in continuous issues for those residing by these bodies of waters (Rifkin). As a third world country, the hardships of these communities are also reflected within the people of the Philippines, suggesting that the climate crisis affects everyone in many parts of the world. Another such case is during the devastation of Hurricane Maria on Puerto Rico in 2017. The hurricane ruined the land and took the lives of many, and it can be predicted that these natural disasters will continue to worsen for these communities. However, after the disaster of Hurricane Maria, many Puerto Rican artists brought attention to the suffering of their people through various mediums of art which also include visual performances (Guerrero). Because of this, Philippines based artists can also shed light upon their community’s own sufferings in their own personal artworks and exhibits reflecting their culture in order to spread more global awareness to aid the Filipinos.

As the severity increases due to climate change, many residents of the island have brainstormed ideas that could help solve many aspects of the climate problem. As for an outside example for possible reference, the people of the Tuvalu island have produced multiple additions to what are called “citizen journals” after their island and residence have suffered numerous natural disasters as well, including flooding and rising sea levels. These citizen journals consist of illustrations which are labeled and accompanied by stories in their native language, such as the Tala O Tuvalu July 1953 (D’Souza). The main objective of these citizen journals is to help preserve the culture of the Tuvaluans by passing it down generation by generation and constantly sharing their own people’s stories and perspectives. In a more modern adaptation, Filipino artist Derek Tumala’s Porensiko ng Klimang Tropikal (Tumala, 2022) which has a similar effect that is more accessible for those outside of the island. Porensiko ng Klimang Tropikal (Tumala, 2022) is structured as a game in which the viewer can select parts of the main diorama in order to be transported into an immersive environment, which includes being transported into the middle of a typhoon where the player is surrounded by fallen trees after being ripped out as the disturbing sight of the vortex looms over. These different environments allow for the player to learn about aspects of Filipino culture and how the damages of climate change, such as the rise in temperature and the frequent natural disasters, have affected the land and its people for many years and will continue to for future generations (“Derek Tumala”).

(Tumala, Derek. Porensiko ng Klimang Tropikal. 2022, Digital diorama formatted as an online game, accessible to the public, part of the World Weather Network)

            The warming of the temperature of the ocean devastates the residents of the Philippines, for many rely on it for various reasons, such as for fishing, for transportation, and many people’s whole livelihoods. Because of this, as the ocean begins to deteriorate due to climate change, so will many lives on the island. In this mechanical artwork, Filipino-Dutch artist Martha Atienza reflects on the importance of the ocean in relation to the Philippines and provides a possible solution that could be further investigated upon and used by the residents near the shore. Equation of State I and II (Atienza, 2019) features small mangrove plants being moved up and down a pool of water, which simulates the currents of the shore on the Philippines island. These mangrove plants suggest a solution for the residents as these trees provide a natural stabilization for the shore and the surrounding environment for communities living by the shore from floodings. Atienza’s work also highlights the problem of water pollution in the waters of the Philippines by using recycled materials within her installation (Castro). In another artwork, Leeroy New’s Aliens of Manila: New York Colony (New, 2019) also utilizes recycled materials in order to construct this impressive and eye-catching installation. Aliens of Manila: New York Colony (New, 2019) features neon-colored structures situated around the room, spanning from large humanoid sculptures to root-like formations that cover the sides and the walls, immersing the viewer in a brightly-colored experience. However, New utilizes recycled materials, including items he has found at cheap stores in order to construct his installation (Yerebakan), again showcasing how if the idea of recycling was pushed further in the Philippines, it could result in not only better environmental benefits, but also creativity with amazing artworks to help bring attention to the island. Many Filipinos are not environmentally conscious compared to the Western society due to how poverty stricken the country is. Recycling materials even outside of artworks can be extremely crucial to the preservation of the land and the water, allowing for both to stay clean and healthy for the sake of the island’s residents.

(Atienza, Martha. Equation of State II. 2019, Recycled materials and mangrove plants above a pool of water, or “island technology”, SILVERLENS) (Castro)

(New, Leeroy. Aliens of Manila: New York Colony. 2019, Various sculptures made with different recycled materials, Pintô International) (Yerebakan)

The future of the Philippines continues to look bleaker as the years pass while the island continues to suffer more devastating and stronger natural disasters. The issue of climate change and its results can sometimes be easy to imagine, which artist Mikiboy Pama uses to his advantage in his paintings. In one of his works, Reset (Prism of Light) (Pama, 2019), Pama utilizes a dystopian view of the possible after effects of climate change in order to make the viewer take a moment to reflect on current events in our environment and how it has been deteriorating. In this painting, Pama uses strong imagery with many different connotations, such as wildlife, animal and human skulls, and a building that is on fire to give the viewer many different viewpoints of how so many different systems have been negatively affected by the climate crisis (Legaspi). Climate change is an issue that we all deal with, whether it be currently or for our future generations, but Filipino painter Pama is able to harbor this empathy from outsider viewers to also fully recognize this notion, focusing on the Philippines and its residents.

(Pama, Mikiboy. Reset (Prism of Light). 2019, Mixed media on canvas) (Legaspi)

Based on that, we argue that no matter in China or the Philippines, their artists all use their own ways to appeal to people and awaken our awareness to protect the environment. From past assignments, we have looked into how climate change has had an extreme impact on people outside of the Westernized part of the world, especially when it comes to indigenous peoples and people with cultures that rely heavily on the land. Because of this, our project aims to incorporate our own personal reflection by presenting our own cultures and countries and how our people have created works that portray how climate change continues to devastate the people of such countries, including China and the Philippines. Conclusively, in China, Wan Yunfeng's Protecting the Ocean Series 1 – Struggle (2021) uses recycled marine materials to symbolize the importance of recycling and protecting ocean resources. (This thought is according to Sun & Sea (Marina) (2019) and Submersion (Marie, 2019) from the book, Art and Climate Change (Fowkes, 2022), and Oceans (Pandora and Sarah, 2023)), and Zhang Chuanbin depicts the inherent beauty of the ocean, Azure Seas Stretching Far and Wide (Zhang Chuanbin, 2023), to prompt reflection, urging us to protect the environment. Filipino artists like Leeroy New and Martha Atienza directly focus on the ocean, using recycled plastics in works such as Aliens of Manila: New York Colony (2019) and Equation of State I and II (2019) to highlight pollution in Philippine waters. Atienza employs recycled plastics in "island technology," simulating natural currents and advocating for sturdy mangroves as natural disaster protection. Filipino artworks further emphasize the threat of climate change. Derek Tumala's Porensiko ng Klimang Tropikal and Mikiboy Pama's Reset (Prism of Light) (2021) use immerse environments to remind audiences of climate change's profound impact on nature and culture. For a country rich in natural and cultural heritage, this signifies increased challenges for people to thrive on their beloved land. These artworks reveal China and the Philippines' unique concerns about climate change, reflecting diverse cultural backgrounds as they address common challenges. This comparison deepens our understanding of the global impact of climate change and the diversity of creative responses across nations. 

Bibliography

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